Miami Commission Expected To Vote On Midtown Walmart Permit

The rendering of the design for a proposed Walmart in Midtown Miami includes canopies and facade treatments. (Source: Zyskovich Architects/The Miami Herald)

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The final go ahead for a Walmart in Midtown is expected to be voted on Thursday by the Miami commission.

Last month, the city’s Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board voted in favor of the city issuing the retail giant the Class II permit required to build the 203,000-square-foot structure at the south end of Midtown at 3055 N. Miami Avenue.

The three-story structure includes 577 parking spaces.

Proponents say the Walmart would create as many as 750 construction and retail jobs and be a source of fresh produce and affordable consumer goods.

But, some residents in the area have been fighting the shopping giant at every step of the way and say the store will hurt the feel of a luxury area if a Walmart is built-in Midtown.

The area already has a Target at the Shops of Midtown.

During Thursday meeting, opponents of the plan argue that exterior and loading bay requirements have not been met, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald. They also plan to point out that the parking structures on the second and third levels that they say are not set back the required 10 feet.

The fight over whether to build a Walmart in the area has been ongoing for around two years.

If the commission votes in favor of issuing the permit, the only option opponents have will be to argue their case in court.